Implementation

We work on site, side-by-side with clients, to deliver results, transform ways of working, and build skills. Making it Happen.

We help strengthen and align leadership, transform processes, optimize management practices and, in particular, build capabilities with the proven McKinsey Capability Building approach complemented by rigorous and supportive coaching.

Our Implementation consultants work side-by-side with our industry and functional experts, adding a vital new dimension to our traditional consulting work. We partner closely with clients to help them deliver lasting results-rapid, significant, measurable improvements in productivity, cost, quality, time-to-market, and other metrics.

We serve clients in all industries—from mining and manufacturing to banking and retail sales—to obtain lasting and substantial performance improvement through operational transformations, reorganizations, post-merger integrations, and new strategies. Our approach builds on McKinsey's tradition and track record of going beyond recommendations to assist clients with pilots and transformation programs. By deploying highly qualified implementation consultants—typically experienced former line managers—we can drive implementation broadly across organizations with a flexible support model designed to meet specific client needs.

Who we areDiverse backgrounds, talented leaders, deep implementation expertise, allowing us to draw on the expertise and leadership talent of implementation professionals who understand local challenges and opportunities.

Our team includes professionals who have 10 to 20+ years of experience in line management and/or implementation consulting. They come from a wide range of industries and have experience in leading complex large-scale performance improvement projects.

Pragmatic, results-oriented thinking. Implementation has delivered successful results in hundreds of projects. As part of our pragmatic, results-oriented approach, we closely track key performance indicators (KPIs) and help clients establish effective performance management practices. We work directly with client staff at all levels to help them develop new skills and become home-grown implementation experts—an approach that ensures companies sustain improvement long after a project ends.Tailored capability building. They know how to build the technical and leadership skills needed for clients to achieve and sustain the new way of working. Our proprietary assessments pinpoint the specific skills needed, and from there we design a tailored capability building program that delivers the required skills to the right people.Teams flexible in size and approach. Every project is different, so we customize the team configuration—the intensity, seniority, and duration of support—according to the unique needs of each phase of the project. Before implementation begins, we work with clients to design programs that fit their unique circumstances. We also identify and manage potential roadblocks and risk factors using a proprietary assessment tool. From there, we design the right team for our clients. For instance, we might deploy a large on-site team when implementation begins, then transition to part-time coaching as the client staff gain experience. In all cases, we provide start-to-finish assistance, working with clients as long as needed to achieve the desired results. With major efforts, clients may ask that we remain involved for a year or more.

Our impactImplementation has helped our clients deliver substantial results in more than 100 projects in industries ranging from manufacturing to banking and retail sales.

RetailWe improved the instore operations of a global top 20 retailer and delivered US$200 million in bottom-line results—building lasting capability so that the client continues to achieve further annual gains.

HealthcareWe supported a public healthcare organization across its 15 hospitals. We managed 50 projects and provided long-term coaching to improve patient care and add €205 million to the bottom line.

ManufacturingWe helped a cement manufacturer improve operations across 16 locations. The program has added US$50 million to the bottom line and built capabilities in 500+ line managers.